Congratulation to Miss Indigenous San Juan College 2026!
Angela Jimenez has been crowned Miss Indigenous San Juan College 2026. A Navajo student pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, Jimenez will represent the college and its Indigenous student community throughout her year of service.
Bringing Family and Creativity to the Competition
The Ms. Indigenous San Juan College pageant celebrates Indigenous culture, creativity, knowledge, personal expression and community. Contestants compete in three categories:
- traditional talent
- contemporary talent
- question and answer segment
Jimenez showcased Navajo rug weaving during the traditional talent portion of the competition. For the contemporary talent portion, Jimenez prepared a baked good item in honor of her grandfather. The presentation allowed her to bring a personal family connection into the competition.
During the question-and-answer portion, Jimenez was asked who she would choose to have lunch or dinner with and why.
Her answer was her late grandmother.
Jimenez shared that her grandmother helped start a family bakery with her grandfather and stood by his side while helping raise Jimenez’s father and uncles. Although Jimenez remembers spending time with her grandmother when she was younger, she wishes she could have another opportunity to sit down with her today.
Mental Health Awareness Will Be a Focus of Jimenez’s Platform
As Ms. Indigenous 2026, Jimenez plans to use her platform to raise awareness about mental health and well-being.
She wants to encourage people to take care of themselves so they can also be there for the people around them. For Jimenez, mental health is an important part of overall wellness and a topic that deserves greater conversation.
“I would like to highlight the importance of mental health and how it’s part of our well-being,” Jimenez said. “We need to take care of ourselves by being healthy, so that we can help others.”
Her platform also connects with another message she hopes to share throughout her reign.
“I hope to show others that it is okay to step out of your comfort zone and try something new,” Jimenez said. “It is never too late to further your education.”
Rhianna Carel Reflects on Her Year as Ms. Indigenous 2025
The outgoing Ms. Indigenous 2025, Rhianna Carel, emphasized the importance of using the pageant as an opportunity for personal growth and cultural representation.
In her remarks to this year’s contestants, Carel encouraged participants to recognize that stepping onto the stage means representing more than themselves.
“Whether you're talking to one person or 100, you are representing yourself, your family and where you come from,” Carel said.
Carel also thanked the families and supporters who encouraged contestants to participate, recognizing the courage it takes to speak publicly, share personal talents and represent one's community.
Angela Jimenez Begins Her Reign
“I’m happy and blessed to be here and to be chosen to represent SJC as Ms. Indigenous,” Jimenez said. “I’m very excited to be presented with this opportunity, and I hope to make everyone proud.”
Throughout her 2026–2027 reign, Jimenez will represent SJC while promoting Indigenous culture, education, wellness and community.
As she takes on her new role, Jimenez hopes to make the San Juan College community proud while encouraging others to find their voice, take care of their well-being and embrace opportunities to learn and grow.
Stay connected and follow Angela Jimenez’s journey as Miss Indigenous to learn more about Indigenous culture, student activities, community events and opportunities at SJC.
